Wild Birds Unlimited: Leading the Backyard Bird Feeding Industry

Wild Birds Unlimited, founded in 1981 by Jim Carpenter in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a premier retail franchise specializing in backyard bird feeding and nature products. The company is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, and began franchising in 1983.

With over 350 locations across the United States and Canada, Wild Birds Unlimited offers a variety of high-quality bird feeders, birdhouses, bird food, and nature-related gifts, catering to both novice and experienced bird enthusiasts.

What sets Wild Birds Unlimited apart is its commitment to customer education and community engagement. Franchisees are trained to provide expert advice on attracting and caring for local bird species, fostering a personalized shopping experience.

The stores often serve as community hubs for nature lovers, hosting educational workshops and events that promote wildlife conservation. This focus on education and community involvement distinguishes Wild Birds Unlimited from other retailers in the industry.

Training

Wild Birds Unlimited provides comprehensive training to franchisees through various structured programs. The franchisor offers an initial training program that includes a combination of in-person, virtual classroom, and on-site components.

This program comprises a three-day training session at their training facility in Carmel, Indiana, 24 hours of online training modules, nine hours of personal coaching, eight hours of virtual classroom sessions spread over four weeks, and a five-day in-store training program conducted at their Indianapolis location or another approved training store.

Franchisees are required to attend and successfully complete these training sessions to ensure they are well-prepared to operate the business. The training also extends to individuals significantly involved in the business, such as partners or managers.

Additionally, refresher courses and ongoing support through conferences and Franchise Support Center staff are offered to reinforce the franchisees' skills and knowledge. These measures are aimed at ensuring consistency in customer service standards and operational effectiveness.

Territory Protection

Wild Birds Unlimited provides franchisees with a "Designated Territory," ensuring no other brick-and-mortar stores are established within that area as long as the franchisee complies with the agreement. The territory size depends on market factors, ranging from city portions to rural counties.

This protection applies only to physical stores, allowing potential competition through other channels like online sales. While exclusive rights within the territory provide market security, the franchisor retains the flexibility to operate outside these boundaries.